University Pathways

Earning a full Degree or MBA is a simple and low cost option with Online Business School. Earn your Diploma online with OBS, and then top up to a Bachelors or MBA degree by distance learning or on-campus through a UK university.

University Foundation Level, Level 3 Courses are equivalent to A- Levels and will be accepted by most Universities for entry on to their Undergraduate course, subject to any other entry requirements, such as English Language competency.

First and second year of a University Degree, Level 4/5 Courses carry 240 credits and most Universities will accept students for top up onto the final year of an Undergraduate Degree either on campus or by distance learning.

Postgraduate MBA Entry, Level 6 Courses will allow students entry onto most university Postgraduate Management courses, relevant work experience and English language competency may also be required.

MBA Advanced Entry, Level 7 Courses. Many Universities will accept 120 credits as advanced entry onto an MBA top up. It should be noted that Universities with AMBA accredited MBAs will not accept any exemptions but will usually accept Level 6 or Level 7 as entry qualifications.

To view course specific University Top up options, click here to choose a Course, then click on University Top up .

Study on campus in the UK for top-up courses or direct entry to university.

On completion of an Online Business School course, Students can apply to top up on campus. All of the academic courses offered by Online Business School are OFQUAL approved and universities will generally accept the credits awarded to students. For Level 3 programmes students can apply for Undergraduate entry for a full programme, Level 6 programmes will allow entry at most Universities for full time Post Graduate study.

ATHE have direct articulation arrangements with several Universities which give full recognition for entry (Click here to see ATHE progression routes). Alternatively students can choose their own University (Click here to Find a University)

It should be understood by students that these are general guidelines and students should always check the requirements with their preferred University or their local University Agent if they intend to make an application

Study by Distance Learning for top up programmes or full programmes

Many UK Universities run off campus distance learning programmes and Online Business School will always seek direct arrangements with these universities to accept our students.

At Present Online Business School has specific arrangements with University of Derby Online Learning.

ATHE have direct articulation agreements with Universities that operate distance learning programmes.(Click here to see ATHE progression routes)

Students that have successfully completed ATHE’s Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications in Business Management are eligible to apply for entry at Undergraduate and MBA Top up qualifications delivered by LSM, and awarded by the University of Northampton.

Other universities offering distance learning Business programmes

Students may choose to apply directly to a UK University not linked to ATHE or Online Business School. Several Universities operate distance learning Business programmes and students can apply directly for credits or other forms of advanced entry. Students should make it clear to the University that the qualification is Ofqual QCF validated at the stated level. Online Business School can provide the requisite Ofqual documentation and transcript if required, alternatively students can visit the Ofqual website to confirm the qualification https://www.gov.uk/find-a-regulated-qualification.

Each University will consider an application on its merits subject to their own specific entry requirements. Below is a list of a few UK Distance Learning providers offering Business programmes:

Study for an AMBA Accredited MBA by distance learning

The Association of MBAs is a membership organization that provides accreditation and upholds the highest international standards of MBA programmes. Many UK Universities are Members and offer distance learning study. Although credits cannot be given, admission can be gained via the Online Business School Level 6 plus the requisite additional entry requirements of your chosen University. Students should check the regulations of their chosen University first.

Top up and recognition by non UK universities

Students may want to study at Institutions nearer their home country or qualifications outside of UK. For example many Australian Universities offer distance learning and will recognise equivalent UK qualifications on a case by case basis.

15 Online Business Ideas You Can Start Tomorrow

When you dream of opening your own business, you might envision four white walls and a mess of boxes to unpack in a commercial space. However, it doesn t have to be this way. With today s technology, you can start and run a business online, often with little to no cost.

By focusing on your strengths, you ll be able to build a client roster and get your online-based business started. Here are 15 great ideas you can run with.

1. SEO consultant

Do you know the ins and outs of search engines and have skills in platforms like Google Analytics? The owners of a lot of smaller companies don t realize how much of an impact search engine optimization (SEO) can have on their business. Educate those business owners on the power of SEO to help transform their websites into a more SEO-friendly property. Use your skills to show business owners how to read and use their analytics data the right way, and how to properly use keywords and structure content to get more traffic.

2. Business coaching

If you possess a great deal of business experience and knowledge, why not create a business that helps aspiring entrepreneurs find success? You can use your skills to help new business owners get off to a good start and help experienced entrepreneurs keep up with demand. To show off your knowledge and skills and bring in clients, you can also write articles about business on platforms like LinkedIn.

3. Specialized retailer

There s an audience for everything, whether it s making dollhouse furniture or creating organic dog food. With a specialty e-commerce store, you can reach those customers who are seeking your specific products. All you need is a web-hosting service with an integrated shopping cart feature or with e-commerce software, and your business will be operational in no time. You can even work with vendors to ship products to customers on your behalf, which means you don t need to own a lot of inventory. [See Related Story: A Small Business Guide to E-Commerce Shipping]

4. Social media consultant

Larger companies can hire an agency or full-time staff member to run their Facebook and Twitter accounts, but small businesses often have to handle their own social media marketing. With so many responsibilities, business owners are often too busy, overwhelmed or undereducated about the importance of social media to spend time developing and implementing a great social media strategy. As a consultant, you can help them determine the best tactics, posting schedules and content for their target audience. As their follower count grows, so will your business.

5. Web design

There s nothing more off-putting than a poorly designed website, and often, it kills credibility. If you know HTML and have a good eye for design, you can launch a service to create attractive, easy-to-use websites for small businesses. Put your skills to good use for business owners who want to take their online presence to the next level. Build a comprehensive portfolio, and then create your own website to show it off and attract a steady stream of clients.

6. Resume/cover letter writing

It s a tough truth to swallow, but a standout resume and cover letter can make all the difference when you re applying for a job. While listing career accomplishments might seem like an easy task, the fine art of humble bragging eludes some of us. Find work by helping others to get hired with the aid of stellar resumes. Capitalize on the increasingly important social media branding bandwagon and offer to fix LinkedIn profiles as well.

7. Assistant/task manager

Do you have impeccable organizational skills? What about cleaning skills? Can you quickly and efficiently carry out these tasks? Maybe it s time to put those skills to good use by becoming an online personal assistant or task manager. Companies like TaskRabbit or Zirtual allow you to sign up for tasks you want to complete including data research, virtual assistant or running errands and begin building clientele.

8. Professional freelancer

You might not think of freelancing as a business, but with more and more companies turning to part-time contract workers to fill their skill gaps, it s not hard to imagine making a living providing businesses with a variety of freelance services. Depending on your skill sets, you could work for multiple companies in a variety of fields that offer you flexibility and a refreshing change of pace. According to the freelance job listing website Freelancer.com, tech services, content creation and web design are popular fields for contract work.

9. Affiliate marketing

If you re a person who loves leaving customer reviews on sites like Amazon, stop doing it for free. Word-of-mouth advertising is still a huge lead generator for many companies, and a lot of businesses are willing to share a portion of their profits with persuasive individuals who will promote their products to the public. If you have a personal website with a large following, this might be easier to accomplish (PR reps are always seeking out brand advocates they can send free samples to). Smart Passive Income breaks down three types of affiliate marketing and explains which one is most profitable.

10. Remote technical support

Many small businesses don t have room in their budget for a full-time IT employee, so when their systems go on the fritz, they ll usually call a computer-savvy friend or family member. If you have experience working on computers and networks, you can eliminate their need to call in a favor and offer immediate remote technical assistance.

Real-Life Success Story: Jamie Minter

11. Virtual consignment store

Bargain hunters and thrift store enthusiasts can turn a nice profit reselling their vintage clothing finds. Brand yourself by setting up an independent website as your virtual storefront, but use a managed service like Google Checkout to handle transactions. High-resolution images and catchy copy for your products will make you stand out in the sea of internet users trying to sell their used items.

12. Handmade craft seller

Online sites like Etsy and ArtFire are platforms that make it extremely easy for crafters who can produce a steady supply of quality handmade items, like crocheted blankets or unique painted glassware. Startup costs are extremely low if you purchase your materials in bulk from a craft supplier, and if you can turn around orders quickly, you ll be making a profit in no time at all. It s even possible to turn your store into a full-time gig.

13. App development

Mobile applications are more popular than ever, and people are willing to pay good money for ways to manage their lives from their smartphones. If you have a great idea and happen to know coding, you can run with it and create your app yourself. If you just have an idea and don t know the ins and outs of how to turn it into a reality, there are plenty of software developers looking to collaborate with people on app creation.

If you have ideas and words bursting within you, you ve most likely thought about starting a blog, at the very least. With the freedom to create your own beat and style your platform the way you desire, you can completely personalize your blogging experience and reach millions of people across the world. The larger the audience, the higher the chance you have at creating a successful business out of it. [See Related Story: How to Turn Your Blog into a Business]

The wedding industry is booming, and with all of the stress and pressure that piles on every couple during their engagement, it s nearly impossible for brides-to-be to enjoy their wedding planning. However, if you have a knack for organization and a passion for weddings, you can start your own career as a bridal concierge, dealing with the nitty gritty wedding details so the bride doesn t have to.

Additional reporting by Shannon Gausepohl and Nicole Taylor.

5 Unique Online Business Ideas, Small But Successful

Entrepreneurship has always fascinated me. I m amazed by the pride and sense of accomplishment that comes with building your own business, and I respect the risks that come with working for yourself. Even if your venture fails, as a business leader you still learn valuable lessons that you can use to make your next attempt more successful.

Taking a successful business model from someone else and building on it is no crime. In fact, it is how most leaders build businesses. It doesn t always take a stroke of genius to get to the top. But when those once-in-a-lifetime ideas strike, your window to act may be small. I don t accept the idea that all of the good ideas have been taken. These five unique businesses are proof that you can find prosperity, even in a market that may not have even existed when you first had your idea.

1. Santa Mail

When I first heard about Santa Mail, I had one of those Why didn t I think of that? moments. The premise couldn t be simpler: Parents order letters for children, and Santa Claus himself puts a note in the mail. For just under $10, your kids will get a personalized letter from Santa that is (genuinely) postmarked from the North Pole in Alaska. The site isn t flashy, but it s simple and effective.

Santa Mail has been around since 2003, and as far as I can tell, it was the first company of its kind. Since then, at least four sites offering the same service have popped up. Even though someone may come along and offer something better, for now, Santa Mail is at the top of its niche.

2. Alchemy Goods

Though recycling has been popular for years, practical-use items made from recyclable items and materials are quickly becoming more desirable. From clothes and bags to water bottles and wallets, these unique items are high-quality goods that let people show off the positive difference they re making for the environment. Alchemy Goods was originally born not out of ingenuity, but of necessity.

When Alchemy owner Eli Reich s messenger bag was stolen, he decided that instead of buying another, he would make one himself. With plenty of bicycle inner tubes lying around, he decided to make it the primary material for his new bag. Long story short, the completed product was a huge hit at the office, and Eli began to make them on a much larger scale. Today, Alchemy products are carried in many stores across the country.

3. Fetal Greetings

The greeting card business has been huge for years, and it seems to get bigger with every passing holiday. Fetal Greetings offers a special opportunity for expecting mothers: To have their baby greet the world in the form of a card! Holly Nill-McKay started the company in 1999, and while the idea may sound strange, I love it. It s a great example of a unique and clever idea that builds on an existing industry. The cards themselves are cute, and they make wonderful surprises to send to family and friends to announce a pregnancy.

4. Something Store

Do you love the feeling of waiting for something in the mail? I know I do, and that s why I tried out Something Store. A few years ago, I saw a piece in a popular magazine about an online store that sells mystery objects. I was intrigued. For $10 (no shipping cost), they send you a random item. It could be anything in the world. Since 2007, they ve shipped over 50,000 somethings to customers who wait with anxious anticipation.

I tried it and received an unusual, metal, spider-like object. It winds up and moves along the floor or tabletop. I looked it up and found that it usually retails for about $28. While I wouldn t necessarily have bought it in the first place, for $10 I got a pretty good deal.

5. I Do Now I Don t

Every day, couples in love get engaged. And every day, couples who have fallen out of love separate or break an engagement. When the latter happened to Josh Opperman, his fiancee was kind enough to return the engagement ring, and he didn t know what to do with it. Since the wholesale markup on engagement rings is insanely high, he would have taken a huge loss in returning it. So instead, he started his business, I Do Now I Don t, an online marketplace for unwanted engagement rings. Customers can buy rings at prices far cheaper than you d find at a traditional store, and you can sell at rates that are better than you d get if you tried to return the ring. Business started booming, and now you can buy and sell other jewelry items there too.

Final Word

This short list of examples just goes to show that not all of the good business ideas are taken just yet. It seems to me that when I get one of those genius ideas, I m always in the shower. By the time I get out and try to remember what was on my mind, it s gone. I hope it is not just me that this happens to.

How do you get inspiration to strike? And what do you do to remember your ideas and put them into action? Share your ideas, or any other unique sites or businesses you ve found. I m always looking for strange and intriguing things.

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